Austin, TX — Today, Young Conservatives of Texas, one of the state’s oldest and most respected conservative organizations, released television and radio spots exposing Joe Straus and his involvement in killing legislation that would have banned sanctuary cities in Texas.

The emotional and powerful ads feature the story of Dan Golvach, the father of Spencer Paul Golvach, a 25 year-old Texan who was brutally murdered on January 31, 2015 by Victor Reyes, an illegal alien who had been convicted of violent crimes, served time in federal prison for those crimes, and had been deported from the United States on four occasions. Reyes was hiding in Houston, under the city’s “sanctuary city” policy when he murdered Golvach.

In the commercial, Dan Golvach tells the heartbreaking story of the loss of his son and blames Texas House Speaker Joe Straus for his murder.

Jeff Morris, Chairman of Young Conservatives of Texas, said, “Speaker Straus and his hand-picked lieutenants have consistently thwarted conservative efforts to ban sanctuary cities in Texas. This legislation, if passed, could have prevented Reyes from going undetected by law enforcement officials.”

In 2011, a bill to ban sanctuary cities passed the Texas Senate, but died in the Straus-led Texas House, and in the 2013 special session, no conservative immigration bills made it out of a House committee.

While reform languished in 2013, a resolution did pass out of the House State Affairs committee—supporting President Barack Obama’s amnesty plan. According to a Houston Chronicle article, Straus was in support of the White House’s amnesty push.[1]

Further, some bills on the liberal side of the issue, bills that would make it easier for illegal immigrants to remain in Texas, advanced, but they were ultimately blocked by conservative lawmakers.

In fact, Mark Jones, the Rice University political science professor who studies legislative action, attributed the failure of legislation ending sanctuary city policies to Joe Straus.

“Joe Straus did not move a single piece of immigration reform during the 82nd legislature, squandering a supermajority of Republicans,” said Morris. “Speaker Straus had a Republican supermajority that could have passed the Senate’s version of sanctuary city legislation during the special session, and refusing to do so was in direct opposition to the will of the majority of members in the Texas House,” Morris added. “Had Joe Straus not blocked this important legislation, Spencer Golvach and other Texans like him might be alive today.”

Following the latest session of the Texas legislature, liberal Democratic State Representative Roberto Alonzo went on the record praising Straus for having killed sanctuary city legislation.

“As Speaker of the Texas House, Joe Straus has failed to protect the people of Texas from dangerous criminals like Victor Reyes,” said Morris. “Not only has he failed to speak out in favor of a ban on sanctuary cities, he has appointed committee chairs like State Affairs Committee Chair Byron Cook, who not only are vehemently opposed to a sanctuary cities ban in Texas, but who use their position of authority to kill such legislation.”

“Speaker Straus can’t have it both ways. He can’t take credit for conservative legislation passed by the Texas House while claiming no responsibility when conservative legislation flounders on his watch,” Morris said.

“As the people of District 121 head to the polls to choose those who will lead our state and nation, they need to know about Joe Straus’s failed record of leadership on the life and death issue of sanctuary cities,” said Morris. “It is our hope that they will think of Spencer Golvach before casting a vote for Joe Straus,” Morris concluded.

[1]Speaker Joe Straus setting the agenda for Texas – and moving Republicans forward, (“Texas House Speaker Joe Straus recently voiced support for immigration reform measures endorsed by the White House that included a pathway to citizenship for those already in the country illegally.”), http://blog.chron.com/bakerblog/2011/06/the-demise-of-%E2%80%9Csanctuary-cities%E2%80%9D-legislation-a-gop-debacle-or-success/

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

Austin, TX — Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) today endorsed Senator Ted Cruz for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

“Senator Cruz is the clear conservative choice for Republicans,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “Since his election in 2012, Senator Cruz has been fighting for conservative values in one of the country’s most difficult places to stand on principle—the United States Senate. Texans should take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact on the 2016 presidential primary by voting to nominate a conservative fighter to represent us in November.”

At the 29th annual convention of Young Conservatives of Texas in 2009, Ted Cruz addressed YCT’s members, and those in attendance were blown away by this young, exciting voice of passion and principle. Senator Cruz then earned YCT’s early endorsement in the 2012 Senate race. Against the odds, the money, and the party establishment, Cruz won the Republican nomination and a seat in the US Senate. Since then, Senator Cruz has proven, time and again, that he will do what he promises.

Early voting in Texas began today and continues through Friday, February 26th. Election day is Tuesday, March 1st.

“Grassroots activists across Texas fought for Ted Cruz in 2012 because he was a proven conservative who had been on the front lines of some of the country’s biggest conservative battles,” added Brandon Waltens, YCT Secretary. “Since then, he has proved that he is willing to continue to champion conservative values, despite pressure from Washington elite and the media.”

“Now, more than ever, Republicans must nominate a candidate with a deep understanding of conservative principles—and a willingness to defend those principles to the American people,” continued Morris. “Senator Cruz is that candidate.”

A full listing of the candidates and elected officials YCT has endorsed so far can be found on our website at www.yct.org/vote

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

Austin, TX — Over the weekend, a mailer from the campaign of Rep. Marsha Farney hit mailboxes distorting the face of Colonel Terry Wilson, calling into question his integrity.

“Terry has served our country with honor and overcome extreme disabilities, including facial disfigurement, after an encounter with an IED in during a deployment to the Middle East,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “It is beyond disgraceful for an elected official to distort the face of a decorated combat veteran for political gain.”

Colonel Terry Wilson served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years, including numerous deployments, before retiring this past Summer. In 2005 Wilson was literally run over by a vehicle with an IED attached to it, leaving him disabled. After years of rehabilitation, he was able to overcome paralysis of the right side of his body.

Farney’s mailer attempts to give her cover on an issue brought up by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility in one of their recent mailers. The piece brought to light Farney’s vote on an amendment to the state budget regarding border security.

“Instead of taking responsibility for her abysmal voting record, Farney has instead taken to bullying a combat veteran, making him out to look like a comic book villain,” continued Morris. “The voters of House District 20 will not be fooled by her hateful rhetoric.”

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

Austin, TX — Today, Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) announced its fourth set of endorsements for the 2016 Republican Primary.

YCT chimed in on the race for Railroad Commissioner, 14th Court of Appeals, and three legislative races:

Railroad Commissioner: Wayne Christian

14th Court of Appeals, Place 2: Bud Wiesedeppe

HD 33: John Keating
HD 73: Kyle Biedermann
HD 150: Valoree Swanson

“With less than one month left until Election Day, it is imperative to get involved and encourage others to support conservatives up and down the ballot,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “We hope that our recommendations help make it easier for voters to determine the most conservative candidate in each race.”

Between now and Early Voting, YCT will continue evaluating all filed candidates up and down the ballot and release endorsements. If you are interested in pursuing their endorsement, please contact Chairman@YCT.org and ask for a questionnaire.

Below is a full listing of the candidates and elected officials YCT has endorsed so far:

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

Austin, TX — Today, Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) announced its endorsement of Representative Bryan Hughes for Texas Senate District 1.

Hughes joined YCT as a student at Baylor in 1994 and has been an active alumnus since leaving college. Since joining the legislature in 2003, Hughes has consistently performed well on YCT’s ratings, earning him a spot on the Historic Honor Roll. In the most recent session, Hughes was rated in the top 10% of representatives in the Texas House.

“Bryan Hughes is a committed conservative and has been consistently a strong voice in the Texas House,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman, “Bryan’s unwavering conservative principles and his ability to clearly debate those principles will make him invaluable ally to the conservative movement in the Texas Senate.”

Hughes faces fellow conservative stalwart Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview), as well as Red Brown (R-Lindale) and Mike Lee (R-Queen City) in the Republican Primary. While Simpson and Hughes have comparable records in the Texas House, YCT feels that Hughes’ alumni status, as well as his personal relationships in the senate, make him the preferred choice.

“Our endorsement of Hughes is not a critique of Simpson, but unfortunately only one of them can be the next senator,” continued Morris. “We look forward to working closely with Hughes in the Texas Senate in the next legislative session.”

Between now and Early Voting, YCT will continue evaluating all filed candidates up and down the ballot and release endorsements. If you are interested in pursuing their endorsement, please contact Chairman@YCT.org and ask for a questionnaire.

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

“Both the legislative and judicial branches of government have enormous impact on our everyday life,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “While these positions are not as glamorous as the presidency, we hope that voters take the time to evaluate the merits of each candidate and support electing conservatives to these crucial positions.”

Between now and Early Voting, YCT will continue evaluating all filed candidates up and down the ballot and release endorsements. If you are interested in pursuing their endorsement, please contact Chairman@YCT.org and ask for a questionnaire.

In December, YCT released its Legislative Ratings of the 84th Legislature, which can be viewed at ratings.yct.org. YCT has the most respected ratings of the state legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so over the past 21 legislative sessions.

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

“Each of these candidates have been thoroughly vetted and we believe they will serve our state conservatively in the Texas House,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “We hope that the constituents in their districts will support them in the upcoming Republican Primary.”

Between now and Early Voting, YCT will continue evaluating all filed candidates up and down the ballot and release endorsements. If you are interested in pursuing their endorsement, please contact Chairman@YCT.org and ask for a questionnaire.

In December, YCT released its Legislative Ratings of the 84th Legislature, which can be viewed at ratings.yct.org. YCT has the most respected ratings of the state legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so over the past 21 legislative sessions.

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

“Each of these candidates has proven to be the most conservative choice in their respective races,” said Jeff Morris, YCT State Chairman. “On our scorecard, each landed within the top 15%, earning a spot on our honor roll or honorable mentions list.”

Between now and the primary, YCT will be evaluating all filed candidates up and down the ballot and will likely release additional endorsements. YCT recently released its Legislative Ratings of the 84th Legislature, which can be viewed at ratings.yct.org. YCT has the most respected ratings of the state legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so over the past 21 legislative sessions.

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 21 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

Austin, TX — Today, Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) endorsed Rep. Lois Kolkhorst in the Special Election to replace Comptroller-Elect Glenn Hegar in State Senate District 18.

“Rep. Lois Kolkhorst is the clear choice in this race and YCT is proud to support her,” said State Chairman, Jeff Morris. “At our last State Convention, she inspired our attendees with her speech on Obamacare and presented common sense state solutions to our healthcare problems in Texas.”

Kolkhorst has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 2000, and is the current Chair of the Public Health Committee.

“The Texas Senate will be more conservative this Session than ever before,” said Executive Director, Jenna White. “We are confident that Kolkhorst will be a great asset to Lt. Governor-Elect Patrick and will serve as a strong ally to the newly elected senators in the freshmen class.”

Representative Kolkhorst said the following about her endorsement: “Young Conservatives of Texas has long played an important role as watchdog of the Texas Legislature. I look forward to working with them in the upcoming Session to move the ball forward for the conservative movement in our state!”

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 20 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .

AUSTIN, TX — With only three weeks remaining until election day, Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) is dedicated to ensuring that their endorsed candidates are victorious. Today, YCT announced the endorsement of Chart Westcott in HD 108 and Michael Schofield in HD 132. Additionally, they announced the beginning of their Grassroots Straw Poll for the 2014 Republican Primary Runoff.

“Our PAC has been quite busy the last few months making sure that Texans select the conservative candidates across the ballot,” said State Chairman Jeff Morris. “In the initial Primary, we were very successful in getting our candidates across the finish line or into a runoff; we hope to have more success on May 27th.”

“Chart Westcott and Michael Schofield are the obvious choices for conservatives in HD 108 and HD 132,” continued Morris. “We proudly endorse them and wish them the best of luck in the runoff.”

In addition to making additional endorsements, YCT rolled out their Grassroots Straw Poll for the 2014 Republican Primary Runoff.

“Over 5,500 took the time to vote in our straw poll during the initial primary,” said Executive Director, Jenna White. “We hope to have even greater interest this time around, now that races have been narrowed down to just two candidates each.”

Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 20 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit www.yct.org.